Tank container transport is the perfect way to ship bulk gasses, liquids, and powders. This type of transport is ideal for both hazardous and non-hazardous materials. But shipping a tank container is not an easy task. You need to have proper information about it.
The costs of shipping a tank container can vary depending on the size of the container and the distance it needs to travel. In this article, we will discuss all tank container transport.
Read on to find out everything you need to know about tank container shipping.
Tank Container Transport –An Overview
A tank container is used to transport liquids and gasses in bulk. These containers are typically made of steel or aluminum. They are specially designed to withstand the pressure and temperature of the contents they are holding.
This tank is built to meet specific standards for different types of transportation. That’s why they are also known as ISO tanks.
An ISO tank is a safe way to transport goods as these tanks are made of stainless steel and do not rust. The tanks are also coated with insulation, usually aluminum. It even protects the container from bad weather and also from corrosion.
These tanks meet the requirements set by the ISO or International Organization for Standardization. These specifications are about features and dimensions that help ensure the safety of goods when transporting them. They also help maintain services and products’ consistency, quality, and efficiency.
ISO Certified Tank Container: What Are They?
ISO is a certification that proves that a product or service is of high quality.
It shows that the service, manufacturing process, or management system meets specific quality assurance standards.
Ensure you get a tank that meets the ISO’s durability, size, and strength standards. Additionally, it will ensure that your tank can withstand every unexpected situation. Any tank that is put into service must go through a rigorous inspection. This certification also guarantees that you can transport liquids and chemicals safely.
Benefits of ISO Tank Transport
Tank containers have many benefits. They make it easy to transport bulk liquids and keep cargo safe and secure. Let’s take a look at some of these benefits.
Reliability
Tank containers are the most reliable way to transport bulk liquids. It is because all tank containers follow the ISO standards. There are many tests and inspections that a tank container must go through before it is sold. It means that the quality and standard of tank containers are never compromised.
If you want to buy a used tank container, check for the ISO stamp. It is essential to inspect the stability of the container and valve condition.
Environment-Friendly
Tank containers are unlikely to leak during storage and transportation because of their construction, even though their construction makes them environmentally friendly and safe to transport hazardous chemicals.
Safety
ISO tank containers are designed for specific types of goods. It makes sure that the container is safe for transporting goods.
Some rules say a chemical-grade container can’t transport food, but you can use a food-grade container to transport chemicals.
Before loading or unloading cargo, an ISO tank goes through a thorough inspection and cleaning process. After it passes inspection, the quality inspector gives it a “go-ahead” so that it can be refilled.
Security
ISO tank containers provide a safe place to store your product. You can transport them by rail, road, or sea. The tanks have a code that helps to track them. Your product will stay safe because these tanks can also handle challenging road conditions and harsh weather.
Efficiency
ISO tanks are easy to handle and don’t require much work to load or unload cargo. That’s because they have pre-installed steam coils and valves. They’re also huge so that they can carry a lot of goods.
For example, A 20ft ISO tank can hold more liquid than a 20ft container with drums.
Durability
ISO tanks are constructed of stainless steel, making them highly resistant to corrosion and impact damage. It is also designed to withstand high-stress conditions, meaning that an ISO tank can be used multiple times and will last for approximately 25 to 30 years. If the tank container is damaged and can’t be used anymore, it can be recycled.
How Are ISO Tank Container Shipping Costs calculated?
Container shipping companies use three things to figure out how much it costs to ship an ISO Tank container. These are:
The Volume of the Goods
There is no simple answer to this question because it depends on the shipping type you are using. The size of your goods is an essential factor in some conditions, while weight can also be more critical if you are transporting the tank through land or sea.
Type of Transport You Are Using
How you transport your belongings determines the price and how long it takes for them to arrive. If you need your belongings quickly, sea freight is a good option. However, it is more expensive than transporting it by rail. Land freight usually takes longer, but it is much cheaper.
Distance
Distance matters a lot while calculating the cost of shipping ISO tank containers.
Remember, the longer the haul, the more it will cost you. Consider the length of your route when estimating your freight shipping costs.
If you are shipping it to a different country, it will cost more than if you were moving within your own country. The way that your shipping company delivers your ISO tank also affects the price.
It is always best to get quotes from multiple shipping companies before deciding. It will allow you to compare rates and find the best deal for your particular shipping needs.
8 Different Types of ISO Tanks
There are many different types of ISO tanks available. Some of them are mentioned below:
T1 ISO Tank
If you are a juice and wine manufacturer looking for an exclusive ISO tank container, this one is the best.
T1 ISO containers meet the ISO 668 design code. They are available in 20ft and 40ft in size.
T11 ISO Tank
The T11 ISO shipping container can transport different goods like gas, liquid, and powder. It meets the (ISO) criteria, making it a good option for transporting goods.
T14 ISO Tank Container
T14 ISO Tank Container is stainless steel or carbon steel and rubber, PE lining, or FRP. This container is usually used to transport and store dangerous chemicals like caustic soda, ferric chloride, hydrochloric acid, and sulfuric acid through the different means of transport like rail, road, or marine.
T75 ISO Tanks
T75 ISO is a double-walled vacuum container that stores cryogenic liquids like liquid oxygen, liquid nitrogen, and liquefied natural gas.
Swap Body Tank Container
Swap Body tank containers utilize a 20′ or 23′ container body. They come in different sizes, around 30-35 m³. They are mainly designed for train, road, and ferry traffic and offer a higher volume than 20′ ISO containers.
Food-Grade Tank
Food Grade term refers to the materials used to make the equipment needed to process or prepare foods and drinks. Many storage tanks that usually meet the requirements set by all regulatory bodies for being non-toxic and safe for consumption come into this category.
Silo Tanks
We can always use silo tanks to store various liquids, including wax, wine, chemicals, oils, paint, beer, pharmaceuticals, and dairy products. These tanks are used by different industries like Oil & Gas, Commercial Cooking, Cleaning & Janitorial, and Breweries & Wineries.
Swap Tank Container
This tank container is a tank that can be transported by ship, truck, or train. A swap tank container can hold between 30,000 and 35,000 liters.
Swap tank containers are best for transporting fuels, foodstuff, or liquid chemicals.
How to Transport an ISO Tank Container?
There are a few different ways to transport tank containers, depending on the size and type of container you have. The most common way to move tanks is by truck, but rail and sea transport options are also.
Let’s take a look at them in detail:
Transporting Tank Container by Truck:
The most common way to transport tank containers is by truck. It is the most flexible option, as you can do it with various trucks depending on the size of the container. Several companies specialize in transporting tanks, so finding a reliable company should not be complex.
Transporting Tank Container by Rail:
Another option for transporting tank containers is by rail. This option is usually only used for larger tanks, as it can be more expensive and complicated than trucking. However, if you have a large tank that needs to be transported over long distances, the rail may be the best option.
Transporting Tank Container by Sea:
The last option for transporting tank containers is by sea. It is the most expensive and complicated option, but it can be the best choice for large tanks that need to be transported over long distances.
Tank containers can be loaded onto ships and then transported to their destination. This option is typically used for those tank containers that are difficult to transport by truck or rail.
The Possible Cost of Shipping a Tank Container
The cost of shipping a tank container can vary widely, depending on several factors.
The size of the container is one of the most critical factors, as larger containers tend to cost more to ship. The container’s distance is also a significant factor, as longer journeys will typically cost more than shorter ones.
Other factors affecting the price include the shipping company and the time of year. Prices also tend to be higher during peak shipping periods. Understanding these trends makes it possible to understand better how much it will cost to ship a particular container.
ISO Tank Containers vs. Flexitanks Which is Better?
Both tanks have their pros and cons. Let’s discuss this in detail to get an idea of which is better for you.
ISO Tank Containers
ISO tank containers are a common way to transport liquids. They are reliable and have been used for a long time. However, they might not be the best solution for every shipping need. You need to think about the benefits and drawbacks of using them before deciding if they are the right option for you. Which are mentioned below:
- ISO tanks help avoid the problems and risks while transferring liquids from one container to another. ISO tanks are designed for this purpose and can be loaded from trains to trucks to ships. However, it helps save money because you only need to use one container throughout the shipping process.
- You can store ISO tanks easily, even if you need to wait for a while or if there is a delay. If there are any problems with shipping, you can store the ISO tank without any problem.
- These tanks are strong and will not be damaged during shipping. It is imperative if you are shipping any product.
ISO tanks have some benefits, but there are also some areas where they don’t work. One problem is that they need to be cleaned at an approved facility, increasing costs. Another issue is that getting an ISO tank can take a long time when there is high demand.
ISO tanks are environmentally friendly when used, but they require a lot of energy to be made. That means that they might not be perfect for the environment. They are also costly.
Flexitanks
Flexible tanks are now being used more and more in the shipping industry to transport non-hazardous products. These tanks can be used to ship more than 60 different types of products. But you should always look at the pros and cons of using a flexitank before deciding if it is the right option for your product.
- Flexitank is suitable for water, wine, juice, and other products.
- The materials used to make this product can be recycled and reused, which reduces environmental impact.
- Flexitanks are used to turn regular shipping containers into tanks for transporting liquids. There is always a way to ship goods, no matter the season or market conditions.
- Flexitanks can be stored for layovers like ISO tanks. And even flexitanks are suitable for all methods of transportation.
- A standard 20 ft. shipping container can hold up to 24,000 liters (6,340 gallons) of liquid. It makes flexitanks a good option for shipping large quantities of liquid products.
The main disadvantage of a flexitank is that it can only be used to transport non-hazardous materials. If you’re looking to ship hazardous materials, you’ll need to use a different tank type.
Flexitanks are also not as durable as other types of tanks, so they may not be ideal for shipping products that need to be stored for long periods.
So it depends on you. If you want a tank that can transport all types of cargo, we suggest buying an ISO tank. But if you are looking for cheaper and can still do the job, we will recommend a flexitank. ISO tanks are expensive, but they are worth the money if you want something that is durable and can withstand any cargo.
Conclusion
Shipping tanks can be a complex process, but it can be done quickly and easily with the proper knowledge. Tank container shipping is a great way to move large quantities of products promptly and efficiently.
They are available in various sizes and can be used to ship many types of liquids, including oil, gasoline, chemicals, and water.
The use of tank containers has increased significantly in recent years. Tank container shipping is an environmentally friendly option for transporting liquids because it eliminates the need for multiple trips by trucks or trains.
With so many different types of tanks available, there’s sure to be one that suits your needs. And thanks to its many benefits, you can feel confident that your goods will arrive safely and on time.
We hope that this article has helped you understand all about tank shipping!